Ep 7. Saving Hubble Update/Gangster Birds/Alfredo Quiñones-Hinojosa/How Memory Works

NOVA scienceNOW is back with another exciting episode packed with information and discoveries that are sure to leave viewers astounded. Season 4, Episode 7, features four distinct stories that highlight the wonders of science and technology. The first segment brings viewers an enlightening update on NASA's Hubble Space Telescope. In the second segment, viewers get a glimpse of the criminal ways of a particular bird species. The third segment highlights the remarkable life of a neuroscientist turned surgeon, while the fourth segment provides a fascinating insight into the mystery of memory.

The first story, Saving Hubble Update, provides viewers with a closer look at the incredible journey of the Hubble Space Telescope. The episode follows a team of scientists and engineers as they perform a challenging mission to fix the telescope's defunct equipment in space. The segment is an update on the previous season's episode, which documented the last-ever maintenance mission to the telescope. This episode picks up from where the last one left off. Viewers get to see the latest images captured by the telescope after the equipment was repaired, and they also learn about the critical role the telescope plays in modern-day astronomy and the discoveries that have been made as a result of the telescope's sharp vision.

The second segment delves into the world of birds and their mischievous ways. Gangster Birds takes viewers on a journey to the city of Cape Town, where a particular bird species has been causing chaos by stealing food from local shops. The segment follows biologist Justin O'Riain as he tracks the birds to learn more about their behavior. The story is not only entertaining, but it is also informative as it provides information about the cognitive abilities of birds and their unparalleled resourcefulness.

The third segment, Alfredo Quiñones-Hinojosa, features a story about an accomplished scientist who found his true calling as a neurosurgeon. The segment is a personal account of the life of Alfredo Quiñones-Hinojosa, a talented young neuroscientist who left his lab in San Francisco to pursue medicine. Viewers get to learn about the challenges Quiñones-Hinojosa faced as a migrant worker and how he overcame them to become one of the most respected neurosurgeons in the world.

The fourth and final segment of the episode, How Memory Works, is a fascinating exploration of the human brain and its power. The segment follows a group of researchers as they try to uncover the mystery of how our brains store and retrieve memories. The team investigates the latest theories and research in the field and sheds light on the intricate workings of our brains. Viewers get to learn about the various factors that play a role in memory, such as attention, emotions, and imagination.

Overall, NOVA scienceNOW Season 4, Episode 7, is a thrilling journey through the fascinating world of science and technology. With its engaging and informative storytelling, the episode is sure to captivate viewers and leave them with a newfound appreciation for the wonders of the natural world.